Tony Finau ends five-year wait for second PGA Tour title with win at Northern Trust

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Tony Finau returned to the winners’ circle for the first time in over five years, after clinching the Northern Trust in the opening FedEx Cup play-off event at Liberty National.

Finau secured his victory via a play-off, after defeating Australian Cameron Smith in a one-hole shootout after the pair both tied on 20-under-par for the tournament.

The 31-year-old’s second ever win came a day later than usual, after the event was forced to be extended an extra 24 hours due to severe weather conditions on Sunday.

After a consistent first three days Finau put himself right into the mix thanks to a superb back nine that saw him shoot five-under following the turn.

As a result, the American carded birdies at the 12th, the 14th and 16th, as well as a superb eagle on the par five 15th, to leave him with a final round six-under-par 65, moving him to the top of the leaderboard.

Finau would then be joined by an in-form Smith in a tie for the lead after he shot a final day four-under 67 that included six birdies, with two coming in his final three holes to ensure a play-off.

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Since the American’s last win at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open he has had ten second-place finishes, with three going to a play-off hole resulting in many questioning the 31-year-old’s ability to close tournaments out at the crucial time.

However, Finau proved those doubters wrong this time around as he kept his cool following Smith’s out of bounds tee shot to shoot a par on the 18th, ending his 142-event wait for a second Tour title.

Despite clinching victory it didn’t always seem like Finau would be the man to take the opening FedEx Cup play-off event of the year after world number one Jon Rahm dominated the event in New Jersey throughout the week.

Even after a quiet start to his round on day four, Rahm still managed to clamber his way back to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies midway through his round at six, eight, 12 and 13 to move himself right back into contention at 20-under with five to play.

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In spite of this the Spaniard picked up a frustrating bogey, five at the par four 15th before adding another on the 18th green to ensure he would not be joining Finau and day four playing partner Smith in the deciding play-off.

Following a dramatic Monday in New Jersey, winner Finau spoke of the hard work required to chase the world’s best golfer and pick up the long awaited Tour title. 

He said: “This one took everything I had because I knew I had to get to 20 under. I was chasing down the best player in the world. Jon is a good friend but I know what type of game he has, and he’s not going to let up on a lead.

“So I knew I was going to have to catch him eventually and pass him, and Cam was playing well. I gave everything I had. I hit a great putt on 17 I thought was to go in, it would have been nice to have a little cushion on the 18th tee.”

Despite the long wait for win number two, the American believes his game is in a great place heading into the final two play-off events and feels title number three will not be too far away.

He added: “I feel like it’s been a long time coming but I also feel like you have to earn everything out here,” he said. “Nothing’s given to you and I was able to earn this win, and you know, hopefully the future continues to be bright.

“I’m playing some great golf. We’ve got two big tournaments in front of me, so I’m going to enjoy this one. I’m playing great golf. I feel like I can go on a run, so why not continue right on to next week.”

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